Stuff the Bus campaign returns for school supply donations

Wednesday

Aug 2, 2017 at 1:05 PMAug 2, 2017 at 1:10 PM

Graham Dudley

The Salvation Army and United Way are kicking off their annual Stuff the Bus With School Supplies campaign, which helps provide backpacks and supplies to students throughout Brown County as they prepare to return to class.

Last year the Stuff the Bus campaign gave away almost 500 backpacks to Brown County students. Locals can donate supplies at the Salvation Army, Just Teasin’ Hair Salon and Cutting Edge Barber Shop & Salon throughout the month.

Stacy Tennison is the director of Brownwood’s Salvation Army. “This time of year can be very stressful,” Tennison said. “Physical fees, back to school clothing, school supplies — the list goes on. But for those of us at Salvation Army, it’s a fun time of year. It’s like Christmas! It’s such a blessing to see a child’s face light up when they open their backpacks full of new supplies.”

In addition to the three drop-off locations, locals can also donate supplies at a handful of special September events. Underwood’s will collect donations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, United on Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Walmart on Aug. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m.

To sign up to receive the donated supplies, local parents can call the Salvation Army and schedule an appointment at 325-646-5369. There will also be a sign-up event at the Salvation Army on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. The Army will provide free breakfast, and KOXE’s Carl Wayne will be on scene for a live remote broadcast.

“It’s because of our community and their support that we are able to provide this ministry,” Tennison said.

Travis Curry of Just Teasin’ said his salon is proud to partner with the Army on this outreach. “We just feel like this is a great way to give back to the community. Donations are welcome at our salon any time during business hours,” he said.